Water Canyon
RV Guide
Introduction
Water Canyon is an area located in Nevada near the Sonoma Mountains. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers visitors a lot of enjoyment. There are a variety of unique plants in the area. You’ll be able to see tall aspens, draping willows, and even rose bushes. On top of vegetation, there are several beautiful wild animals at Water Canyon. Some of the more often seen animals are mountain lions, badgers, rattlesnakes, spiders, black-tailed jackrabbits, mule deer, and more.
In the late 1800s, Water Canyon had three dams built into it. You can still see the iron pipes that were used to transport the water from the reservoir into people’s homes. There are a variety of fun activities that you can enjoy while visiting Water Canyon. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you can enjoy an afternoon of hiking, rock climbing, or even mountain biking. In the winter, people enjoy riding snowmobiles, skiing, and spotting wildlife. You can camp overnight at the Water Canyon Recreation Area if you want to spend a weekend there. There are also a few campgrounds that are a short drive away.
RV Rentals in Water Canyon
Transportation
Driving
Thankfully, the majority of Nevada is easy to navigate. You don’t have to worry too much about driving through mountains or trying to bypass a ton of traffic in the area. Water Canyon is located close by Sonoma Peak, near Winnemucca. Many people take Interstate 80 or Highway 95 to reach Water Canyon. Right from town, you can easily reach Water Canyon by staying on Water Canyon Road for about two miles.
It runs along White’s Creek and there are road signs along the way leading you there. Whether you’re driving an RV or pulling a trailer, the roads are well-maintained and the directions couldn’t be more simple. Once you’ve arrived, you can park your vehicle and head out on foot.
You could also get around on a mountain bike, four-wheeler, or even skis if you plan on exploring close to Sonoma Peak. There are multiple trails in the area for both hiking and mountain biking. The weather stays fairly calm, with the exception of summer and winter. Overall, it’s an easy place to get around!
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Water Canyon
Campsites in Water Canyon
First-come first-served
Water Canyon Recreation Area
You’ll be able to stay right at Water Canyon Recreation Area for up to three days. There is camping available for both tent and RV campers, but rigs must be 40 feet in length or less. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring for campers to enjoy. There is also a vault toilet for the recreation area to share. Many people enjoy staying at Water Canyon Recreation Area because of the tranquil stream that runs throughout the camping area.
Water Canyon is open all year round and makes a great place to get away from your daily stresses. If you enjoy mountain biking, staying here is a must. There are several trails in the area that range in difficulty. The stars shine brightly here as well, which can make for a romantic evening under the stars with your loved one.
Jack Creek Campground
A little further away than the nearby recreation area is Jack Creek Campground. This is a campground where you can rest your head from the end of May through the end of October. This is more of a serene and peaceful option, perfect for solo travelers or couples. There are just six primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. All of the campsites are separated by thick cottonwood, giving you an added feeling of privacy.
The six campsites available at Jack Creek Campground have a fire pit and picnic table for you to use during your stay. This campground doesn’t have any modern amenities and there aren’t any RV hookups available. There is a single vault toilet available for the campground to use. Speaking of RVs, campers and trailers are required to be 35 feet in length or smaller to camp at Jack Creek Campground. Overall, it’s a beautiful place to stay during your visit to Water Canyon.
Wilson Reservoir Recreation Management Area
While it’s not the closest option to Water Canyon, this area of Nevada doesn’t have a ton of options for camping. Wilson Reservoir Recreation Management Area is a beautiful place that’s worth the trip. There are over 20 campsites available to choose from. Each of them is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each of the 24 campsites has its own picnic table and fire ring for campers to use. Wilson Reservoir Recreation Management Area provides a handful of vault toilets for the campground to share.
There is also a hand-pump water station available. While staying at Wilson Reservoir Recreation Management Area, you can enjoy close access to a boat ramp. If you’re camping in the summer, you can go fishing, swimming, or even kayaking there. The water is a calming soundtrack during your time camping at Wilson Reservoir Recreation Management Area. It’s important to note that there are no RV hookups available.
Seasonal activities in Water Canyon
In-Season
Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity for people visiting Water Canyon during peak season. It’s not only a great workout, but it’s also a fun and unique way to get around the canyon. You will have to bring your own mountain bike, as there aren’t any rental shops in the area.
Remember to pack a helmet and some high-quality riding shoes to have the best experience possible. The terrain can change fairly quickly and it’s best to play it safe.
Climbing
If you live in a big city, you’ve probably seen your fair share of indoor climbing parks. Rock climbing is becoming more and more popular. You can experience the real thing at Water Canyon. There are several different spots to rock climb there.
No matter if you’re a beginner tackling a real rock for the first time or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find something for you to climb while you’re at Water Canyon.
OHV Riding
Riding off-highways vehicles is a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy. There are specific areas designated for riding your four-wheeler or other OHV around Water Canyon, while other areas remain private. Depending on the time of year, you may also need a riding permit and license.
This is a unique and thrilling way to explore Water Canyon. In the winter, you could bring a snowmobile and get around the canyon that way!
Off-Season
Historical Sites
The Northern Paiute Indians considered the water in Water Canyon sacred. They would also use the area to gather ingredients to make natural medicine. Now you can visit the sites where this took place. You can also check out the dams and reservoirs in the area that have greatly changed over the years.
This is a popular activity for local schools in the area and there are often field trips to Water Canyon. It’s something that is open to the public as well.
Ski
When people think of Nevada, one of the last things that comes to mind is snow. Many people are shocked to learn that it even snows in the desert state. During the winter, many visitors of Water Canyon enjoy an afternoon of skiing. Depending on the type of activity you’re looking for, you may enjoy a casual cross country trail or you might be looking for a vigorous steep hill. Whatever the case, pack a pair of skis if you’re planning from visit between November through March.
Wildlife Viewing
One of the best off-season activities that you can enjoy when visiting Water Canyon is to go wildlife viewing. This is a laid back activity that really only requires you to bring a pair of binoculars and quiet down for a bit.
There are several animals that you might spot in Water Canyon. Some creepy crawlers in the area are scorpions, snakes, lizards, bats, and spiders. You may also see mountain lions, wolves, falcons, or eagles.
